Standing at a Newton, Massachusetts intersection in a bright yellow uniform, Marc DuMoulin bent over each time a sharp pain shot through his right shoulder.

He works as a school safety officer, helping children cross the street. Last autumn, a driver ignored his stop sign and struck the elderly crossing guard. Despite lingering pain from the accident, DuMoulin continues to work, having no other option. "I'll work until my legs can no longer carry me", he stated.

DuMoulin represents thousands of Americans over 80 who work in some of the most dangerous professions: crossing guards, truck drivers, construction workers, or roofers.

An elderly person working at a construction site in Gleneden Beach, Oregon, U.S., 10/2025. Photo: Business Insider

A 2024 U.S. Census Bureau analysis reveals tens of thousands of individuals aged 80 and above are employed in the 10 most hazardous occupations, based on total fatal injuries. For instance, over 15,000 work as drivers or delivery personnel, nearly 4,600 as ground maintenance workers, over 3,100 as construction workers, and hundreds more in logging or refuse collection daily.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a rising workplace fatality rate for workers over 65 during the past two decades. Since 2020, at least 67 people over 80 have died from work-related injuries.

Reports document tragic deaths: a 91-year-old man fell and hit his head while making a hospital bed; an 86-year-old woman was crushed by a cart at a transport company; and an 81-year-old man was murdered while working as a security guard.

The primary reason forcing these seniors into the workforce is financial pressure. Monique Morrissey, an expert at the Economic Policy Institute, notes that many low-wage jobs prevent workers from saving enough for retirement. With insufficient pensions and reduced social security benefits, they are compelled to work until their last breath.

Merle Heckman, 82, drives a dump truck carrying 16 tons of rock daily on the highway. He works from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., constantly braking and navigating dangerous traffic situations.

Heckman was once a business owner and accountant. However, poor investment decisions led to his bankruptcy, losing his home and leaving him penniless in old age. No one would hire an 80-year-old accountant, so he obtained a commercial driver's license. His weekly earnings of 600-800 USD help him gradually repay the loan for his small home in North Carolina.

Richard Smith in Florida, U.S. Photo: Business Insider

Similarly, Richard Smith, 81, holds two jobs: campground security and food delivery driver. He commutes seasonally between New Hampshire and Florida. "I'll have to work a few more years", Smith said, observing his retirement account balance, which is less than 20,000 USD.

Siavash Radpour, an aging researcher at Stockton University, commented, "Previously, experience allowed older people to stay on as consultants. But now, they are forced into physically demanding manual labor jobs, where the risk of injury is constant". For individuals like George Pierce, 80, that risk became reality. While working as a mechanic in Maryland, he tripped over a car jack and sustained a severe knee injury.

Two years after the accident, Pierce underwent multiple surgeries, including a knee replacement, and endured painful physical therapy. He received nearly 83,000 USD in compensation, but the money quickly "evaporated" due to medical expenses and living costs while he was out of work. From being independent, Pierce fell into destitution. "Now, I have to rely on my children and grandchildren again", he bitterly admitted.

Ngoc Ngan (According to Business Insider)